SunTrust Banks, Inc. has been recognized by Junior Achievement as a 2014-2015 U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award recipient. SunTrust is receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award at the silver level for providing more than 10,000 volunteer hours during the year. 

SunTrust partners with Junior Achievement across the markets it serves.  One primary example is the financial literacy and career readiness center in Atlanta. The facility provides a 360-degree educational experience, including a day of interactive simulation venues – JA BizTown and JA Finance Park – teaching more than 30,000 Atlanta-area middle school students the importance of personal budgeting, career readiness and real-life adult responsibilities. In addition, SunTrust recently committed $1.7 million to Junior Achievement Tampa Bay to build a similar Finance Park in Florida. 

"Supporting the Junior Achievement Discovery Center is an exciting way for SunTrust teammates to work hand in hand with students and put our purpose of Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being into action," said Allison Dukes, president and chief executive officer of SunTrust's Atlanta Division. "SunTrust is proud to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award and looks forward to volunteering many more hours with Junior Achievement this year."

President George W. Bush established the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in communities and to encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President's Volunteer Service Award program to thank and honor Americans, who inspire others by their demonstrated commitment and example. In 2006, Junior Achievement became an official certifying organization for this award, which recognizes corporations with a U.S. presence that provide volunteers to teach JA programs. 

"Junior Achievement volunteers are important mentors for young people, bringing our programs to life. JA volunteers share their experiences and skills with students while delivering our programs, teaching them how to manage their money, succeed in the workforce, or start a business that creates jobs and helps the economy grow. JA's volunteers are critical to our organization's success and are a vital part of our mission," said Jack Harris, Junior Achievement Greater Atlanta Area President.